Fingerprint Requests who gets them? only criminals?

[latitudeofgratitude]

• HI all,
  
  An interesting conversation took place in the lunch room at work today.
  
  Re: Fingerprint requests which one of my colleagues shared that he had received, in association with his application. he was expressing concerns as to why...
  
  Needless to say as I work in a contact centre with quiet a few immigrants, there were a few opinions as to why this would happen.
  
  Some of them seemed valid but there was mention of a peculiar possibility that I never heard of before
  See below:
  
  
  • A criminal past which came up during background check
  (Seems like a ligit reason)
  
  • Client profile which had more than a 50% match on RCMP data with some one sharing similar profile info
  (Again seems ligit)
  
  • Client does not yet have a finger print yet in CIC or RCMP Data Base and one needs to be obtained for security reasons
  (This struck me as a odd reason to request a fingerprint)

I decided I would ask for opinions as to the 3RD option
My colleague who made this suggestion stated that laws are now changed and; if CIC or RCMP never had your fingerprint before everyone will need to provide a copy to safe-guard canadian borders; in the event someone tries to use your Canadian passport to gain access to Canada.
Has anyone heard this before ? or is this just someone trying to be a know it all?

If this is true then all inland PR applicants may be exempted from FPR, which would also mean all outland applicants could expect to get finger printed then?

Opinions would be appreciated, it would offer insight to those of us still waiting.

 

[latitudeofgratitude]

It would be good if FPR recipients could share their immigration background for us to understand: if there had been an instance where their fingerprints were taken here in Canada already for Immigration purposes or not.

I know for outland applications, fingerprints are taken by local authorities in order to process police clearance. but not submitted to CIC just the clearance certificate.

 

[fredde587]

They took my biometrics when I landed.

 

[thecoolguysam]

For citizenship applications some people get fingerprint requests and some not.

During immigration process (PR), i did not go through the fingerprint process however I have heard that some people do go through it.

The only thing i know is that if person has criminal background or if the name matches with a criminal then they request fingerprints.

 

[IllaBee]

Some assumptions are way off. I do however believe that, CIC asks for finger prints at their own discretion in citizenship processing...remember, PR and citizenship requirements are not the same thing. I had to submit finger prints/police record from the country where I was residing at the time of applying for PR. And yes, when I landed by air, the CIC officer took my finger prints again. I asked why out of curiosity (I didn't mind as I had nothing to hide anyway) and I remember him specifically saying "it was just routine".

Just my two cents. See below!

Section 8

Question 8A-G
Answer all of the questions by checking yes or no. For any yes responses provide details and if applicable, attach court documents.

Note: CIC checks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) to find out if there are any criminal or security reasons which could prevent you from acquiring Canadian citizenship.

You may be required to provide fingerprints and/or court documents to ensure that you are not prohibited under the Citizenship Act. Also, your entry to Canada and your status will be verified with Canadian officials.

If conditions were imposed at the time you were granted permanent resident status that you have not complied with, you should contact your local CIC office to clarify this situation before applying for citizenship.

 

[latitudeofgratitude]

Some assumptions are way off. I do however believe that, CIC asks for finger prints at their own discretion in citizenship processing...remember, PR and citizenship requirements are not the same thing. I had to submit finger prints/police record from the country where I was residing at the time of applying for PR. And yes, when I landed by air, the CIC officer took my finger prints again. I asked why out of curiosity (I didn't mind as I had nothing to hide anyway) and I remember him specifically saying "it was just routine".

They are so random, never knew they randomly do that at landing ... we learn everyday!

 

[thecoolguysam]

I think fingerprints for PR applications process has recently been launched past couple of years ago.
During my time, I was just required to provide police clearance certificate. No fingerprints were required.

Also here is the link:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp

I think it is for temporary resident visas

 

[Hera9]

My ATIP report showed RCMP Fingerprint required but I have yet to receive the request letter from CIC. I have no criminal records. Never convicted any crimes. I used to live in a country that has the lowest crime rate. I submitted fingerprints during my PR. I don't know why I need to submit fingerprint again.

 

[latitudeofgratitude]

My ATIP report showed RCMP Fingerprint required but I have yet to receive the request letter from CIC. I have no criminal records. Never convicted any crimes. I used to live in a country that has the lowest crime rate. I submitted fingerprints during my PR. I don't know why I need to submit fingerprint again.

Sorry to hear about your FPR, lets just hope its a case of just clarifying against similar names, no one really seems to know why this happens, we are all still guessing, especially since most FPR recipients tend to come back with a clear record.

I say, just give them what they want ASAP, and if you are able do it digitally, the turn around time for digital prints with RCMP to send to CIC is 72 hours, this should speed up your application; as opposed to traditional roll prints which can add months to your processing time.

Hope this helps

Best of Luck

 

[Hera9]

Thanks for information. I will do it ASAP when I receive the request letter from CIC.

 

[latitudeofgratitude]

Thanks for information. I will do it ASAP when I receive the request letter from CIC.

do keep us posted

 

[mimi23]

Thanks for information. I will do it ASAP when I receive the request letter from CIC.

i dont know if its gonna work with you , but i know someone who saw fingerprint request through ATIP she took the paper to the agency where they do finger pront and show them and told them she will be away for work so if its ok to do it and they did,so u may try to help Make it go fast

 

[Kiryayogi]

Hey guys
Any idea if the finger prints can be done outside Canada. I got the request to submit one within 30 days but I am currently out of Canada and would not return until June/15. I am pretty sure I have no criminal record but could be case of name match found.
Thanks

 

[Hera9]

i dont know if its gonna work with you , but i know someone who saw fingerprint request through ATIP she took the paper to the agency where they do finger pront and show them and told them she will be away for work so if its ok to do it and they did,so u may try to help Make it go fast

Thanks a lot for letting me know. One question where should I send my fingerprint to? CIC or Scarborough?

 

[latitudeofgratitude]

Hi Folks,

Found an article which probably explains why CIC does random FPR's.

Apparently, Canada is a part of a 5 country data sharing agreement , in the 2009 the number of applicants files being shared each year was 3000 per member state.

Again, as of 2009 approximately 2800 of the files being shared by Canada will belong to refugee applicants, while 200 will be from regular cases.


The link below shows what may happen once RCMP takes prints.
Although the second and third link relates to outland applications , I believe in principle the procedure as it relates to citizenship applicants may be the same.
RCMP does the checks and forwards the findings to CIC who then makes a decision on client's file based on results.

links posted below

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/atip/pia/fcc.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=711&t=19

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=714&t=19